Update #3 – Afternoon Edition (12:00 pm)

Hurricane Irma

Update #3

Date: September 7, 2017

Time: 12:00 pm – Afternoon edition

(New or updated information shown in red)

Lee County Website: www.leegov.com

Latest forecast:

As always, stay tuned to local news for the latest forecast. The latest forecast shows Irma remains a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph with an expected turn Saturday night. Southwest Florida continues to stay strongly in the cone so make sure to follow local news for the latest updates. Next media storm update at 11:00am.

The United Way 211 Help Line is activated for those with questions. Although call takers are receiving many inquiries, the United Way 211 line is responding to all calls. Additional number: 239-433-3900

Alerts:

· LeeAlert – If you have not yet done so, download the Lee County app LeeAlert for the latest information on everything from evacuations, shelters and links to the Lee County Emergency Operations media sites.

· CodeRED – CodeRED is a FREE Lee County service by which residents and businesses are notified via telephone, text, and/or email regarding emergencies or critical protective actions required to safeguard life and property.

· No shelters are open. Decisions about which general-population shelters may open at which dates and times will be announced. We anticipate that announcement Thursday.Lee County should be determining later today which shelters will be opened throughout the county based on the latest information from the weather center.

· As a reminder, not all shelters are open for every storm and the openings are based on storm characteristics, such as location as well as storm surge and wind strength.

· A call-down of the Special Needs Registry is currently being completed today to determine evacuation support requirements for our Special Needs clients. Per the Lee County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, the Lee County Special Needs Registry closes once we are included in the five-day storm cone. Information about a special needs shelter will be available soon.

· Once opened, a list of shelters will be sent to all media channels so stay tuned for the latest information

· Residents should continue to prepare by having a family disaster/evacuation plan, making sure their disaster supply kits are ready and stay informed so they are ready to act when those evacuation orders are given.

Trash pick-up:

Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 7, 2017 – Friday, Sept. 8, will be the last day for all regularly scheduled garbage, yard waste, bulky waste and recycling collections. There will be no collections Saturday.

Residents are reminded to remove anything outside their homes that could become a projectile during the storm including garbage cans, lids and recycle carts. Store them inside.

Regular household collections will begin as regularly scheduled as soon as possible after the storm.

· From LCSO – Get errands done as soon as possible so that when the winds begin to increase, you will not be on the road. This is estimated to be Saturday evening but stay tuned to local media for updates as the storm approaches.

· From FHP – Governor’s office has set up transportation hotline: 800-955-5504

· Please note that once winds reach 40 mph, county equipment as well as emergency response will cease until the storm has passed and winds reduce to a safe level. This is to provide safety to the responding personnel.

· Tolls – at this time, tolls have not been suspended within Lee County as they are utilized going into Cape Coral and onto the barrier islands – this will not affect evacuations from those areas. However, this will be monitored for re-entry traffic.

· FHP reports that traffic on I-75 is heavier than normal but still moving very well.

· Lee County Schools will be closed on Thursday, September 7th and Friday, September 8th.

· The school district will be working closely with Lee County EOC to monitor the movement and potential impact of Irma. A decision on whether to close schools on Monday will be made as the week progresses.

Mandatory evacuations have not been issued although many people have chosen to leave the area. If you decide to leave:

· Please secure your home and bring in anything that can be blown around.

· Take your pets with you – do not leave them behind.

· Take paperwork with you concerning your insurance as well as contacts for family and friends.

· Bring at least two forms of identification with you for your return. To protect properties, only residents may be allowed back into neighborhoods and you want to be able to prove you live there.

· Take your time. Traffic will be heavy so leave as soon as possible and remember to pack lots of patience.

Price Gouging:

Price Gouging Hotline 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (66-7226)

State law prohibits extreme increase in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. The amount cannot grossly exceed the average price for those items during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency unless the seller can justify an increase in the costs. If you suspect price gouging, report this to the Attorney General’s price Gouging hotline.

· A secure crate helps your pet feel safe and is a must if you are going to be reporting to a pet approved shelter. Many hotels require them as well.

· Should your pet get separated from you, a microchipped pet is much more likely to be reunited with their family. Contact your vet for microchipping. Please make sure you register your microchipped pet.

Boats:

· From the US Coast Guard – know the limitations of your anchor and moorings when securing your vessel. Allow for rope length to adjust for water rise and fall when securing your vessel.

· Personnel and equipment have been prepositioned to respond quickly to needs after the storm passes

· Please do NOT call for help on social media

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. ~ John 15:13